Bill would let employers penalize workers who say no to genetic testing

Under the new legislation, employees who refuse testing may be charged a penalty of up to 30% of the cost of their health insurance. (March 14, 2017) Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR

Under the new legislation, employees who refuse testing may be charged a penalty of up to 30% of the cost of their health insurance. (March 14, 2017) Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR

Lena H. SunThe Washington Post

Employers could impose hefty penalties on employees who decline to participate in genetic testing as part of workplace wellness programs if a bill approved by a House committee becomes law.

Employers, in general, don't have that power under existing federal laws that protect genetic privacy and nondiscrimination. But a bill passed last week by a House committee would allow employers to get around that if the information is collected as part of workplace wellness programs.

Workplace wellness programs — which offer workers a variety of carrots and sticks to monitor and improve their health, such as lowering cholesterol — have become increasingly popular among companies. Some offer discounts on health insurance to employees who complete health-risk assessments. Others might charge people more for smoking.

Under the Affordable Care Act, employers are allowed to discount health insurance premiums by up to 30% — and in some cases 50% — for employees who voluntarily participate in a wellness program.

The bill is under review by other House committees and has yet to be considered by the Senate. But it has already received strong criticism from a broad array of groups as well as House Democrats. In a letter sent to the committee last week, nearly 70 organizations, representing consumer, health and medical advocacy groups — including the American Academy of Pediatrics, AARP, March of Dimes, and the National Women's Law Center — said the legislation, if enacted, would undermine basic privacy provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, or GINA.

Congress passed GINA to prohibit discrimination by health insurers and employers based on the information that people carry in their genes. There is an exception that allows for employees to provide that information as part of voluntary wellness programs. But the law states that employee participation must be entirely voluntary, with no incentives to provide it nor penalties for not providing it.

The latest legislation, though, would allow employers to impose penalties of up to 30% of the total cost of the employee's health insurance on those who choose to keep such information private.

Americans who swept President Trump to victory — lower-income, older voters in conservative, rural parts of the country — stand to lose the most in federal healthcare aid under a Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, according to a Times analysis of county voting and tax...

Americans who swept President Trump to victory — lower-income, older voters in conservative, rural parts of the country — stand to lose the most in federal healthcare aid under a Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, according to a Times analysis of county voting and tax...

(Noam N. Levey)

"It's a terrible Hobson's choice between affordable health insurance and protecting one's genetic privacy," said Derek Scholes, director of science policy at the American Society of Human Genetics, which represents human genetics specialists. The organization sent a letter to the committee opposing the bill.

The average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage in 2016 was $18,142, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Under the plan proposed in the bill, a wellness program could charge employees an extra $5,443 in annual premiums if they choose not to share their genetic and health information.

The bill, Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act, HR 1313, was introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), who chairs the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. A committee statement said the bill would provide employers "the legal certainty they need to offer employee wellness plans, helping to promote a healthy workforce and lower health care costs."

The bill's supporters in the business community have argued that competing regulations in existing federal laws make it too difficult for companies to offer these wellness programs. In congressional testimony this month, the American Benefits Council, which represents major employers, said the burdensome rules jeopardize wellness programs that improve employee health, can increase productivity and reduce healthcare spending.

A House committee spokeswoman said those opposed to the bill "are spreading false information in a desperate attempt to deny employees the choice to participate in a voluntary program that can reduce health insurance costs and encourage healthy lifestyle choices."

Sun writes for the Washington Post.

CAPTION

Runners crossed the finish line with excitement at the 33rd Los Angeles Marathon. (Video by Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Runners crossed the finish line with excitement at the 33rd Los Angeles Marathon. (Video by Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

CAPTION

Runners crossed the finish line with excitement at the 33rd Los Angeles Marathon. (Video by Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Runners crossed the finish line with excitement at the 33rd Los Angeles Marathon. (Video by Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

CAPTION

The $14.2-million pedestrian bridge was supposed to open in 2019 as a safe way to cross a busy six-lane road between the university campus and the community of Sweetwater, where many students live.

The $14.2-million pedestrian bridge was supposed to open in 2019 as a safe way to cross a busy six-lane road between the university campus and the community of Sweetwater, where many students live.

CAPTION

An L.A. Times analysis found lawmakers have voted to ban oversized vehicles from parking overnight on more than 300 street segment.

An L.A. Times analysis found lawmakers have voted to ban oversized vehicles from parking overnight on more than 300 street segment.

CAPTION

Republicans were hoping their success on taxes would be their major issue heading into the midterms.

Republicans were hoping their success on taxes would be their major issue heading into the midterms.

CAPTION

At 61, Haspel is a veteran CIA operative who navigated challenging foreign assignments.

At 61, Haspel is a veteran CIA operative who navigated challenging foreign assignments.